Description

This panel measures IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies to 50 common airborne allergens. It helps identify immediate-type allergic reactions (Type I hypersensitivity), which are typically associated with conditions such as:

  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • Asthma
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Allergic conjunctivitis

It also includes Total IgE, which gives a general indication of allergic or atopic tendency.

Categories of Allergens Tested:

1. Trees

  • Acacia
  • Alder Tree
  • Beech
  • Birch Tree
  • Cottonwood Tree
  • Elm Tree
  • Eucalyptus
  • Hazelnut
  • Maple Tree
  • Melaleuca Tree
  • Oak Tree
  • Olive
  • Sycamore
  • Walnut
  • White Pine
  • Willow

2. Grasses

  • Bahia Grass
  • Bermuda Grass
  • Common Reed Grass
  • Cultivated Rye
  • Johnson Grass
  • Kentucky Blue/June Grass
  • Meadow Fescue Grass
  • Orchard Grass
  • Perennial Ryegrass
  • Sweet Vernal Grass
  • Timothy Grass
  • Velvet Grass

3. Weeds

  • Common Ragweed
  • Dandelion
  • English Plantain
  • Goldenrod
  • Lamb's Quarters
  • Mugwort
  • Nettle
  • Rough Marsh Elder
  • Russian Thistle

4. Molds & Yeasts

  • Alternaria alternata
  • Aspergillus fumigatus
  • Candida albicans
  • Cladosporium herbarum
  • Penicillium notatum

5. Animals & Dust

  • Cat Dander
  • Dog Dander
  • Cow Dander
  • Horse Dander
  • Cockroach
  • House Dust Mix
  • Dermatophagoides farinae (Dust Mite)
  • Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dust Mite)

Test Details:

  • Includes: Total IgE + Specific IgE for 50 airborne allergens
  • Sample Type: Blood
  • Collection Time: Monday–Friday before 4:00 PM
  • Fasting: Not required
  • Turnaround: Up to 21 business days (excluding shipping)

Clinical Usefulness:

  • Positive IgE results suggest immediate-type hypersensitivity—helpful for targeted allergy avoidance, immunotherapy (allergy shots), or medications.
  • Total IgE helps gauge overall allergic predisposition but must be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms.

Key Differences: IgE vs. IgG Panels

1. Type of Immune Response

  • IgE Panel: Measures immediate allergic reactions (Type I hypersensitivity)
  • IgG Panel: Measures delayed immune responses (Type III or IV hypersensitivity, often called "sensitivities")

2. Clinical Use

  • IgE: Commonly used in diagnosing allergies (e.g., hay fever, asthma, eczema)
  • IgG: Often used in functional or integrative medicine to evaluate potential food/environmental sensitivities (controversial in conventional medicine)

3. Symptom Onset

  • IgE: Symptoms occur within minutes to a few hours after exposure
  • IgG: Symptoms may occur several hours to days later

4. Interpretation

  • IgE: High levels indicate a true allergic reaction
  • IgG: Presence of antibodies may indicate exposure or tolerance, not necessarily an adverse reaction

5. Medical Acceptance

  • IgE: Widely accepted and used in mainstream medicine
  • IgG: Limited acceptance in conventional medicine; more research is ongoing